Jack Pierce

Jack Pierce

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Today we celebrate the extraordinary life of Jack Pierce,  who departed this world on May 9, 2026, at the remarkable age of 95. While we deeply mourn the loss of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and dear friend, we take comfort in knowing that Heaven has welcomed a truly unforgettable soul.

Although we will sorely miss his notorious deep voice, his endless stories, and the laughs—including the many times he’d hilariously tell one of us to "go get his knife"—we will forever hold these cherished memories close. Jack was a man who showed all of us love in his own, fiercely unique, "Special Way."

A Life of Service and Legacy

Born to the late Benjamin and Martha Pierce, Jack was raised and educated in the Paulsboro school system. Soon after, he proudly answered the call of duty, joining the United States Army to serve his country during the Korean Conflict.

Upon returning home, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Joyce Pierce. Jack and Joyce shared what can only be described as a beautiful "lifetime" together—74 incredible years of marriage. Together, they built a massive, loving legacy that grew to include 6 children, and a beautiful, sprawling host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren.

Jack was a dedicated provider. He worked as a Crane Truck Operator for Bell Supply for over a decade before joining the Huntsman Polypropylene Corp. in West Deptford, NJ, from which he retired in 1994.

Simple Pleasures and Family Traditions

In his retirement, Jack mastered the art of enjoying life. He loved catching up with his fellow retired buddies to swap local gossip over coffee at Dunkin' Donuts or the Colonial Diner in Woodbury. Saturday mornings were strictly reserved for making his way to Cowtown. He was equally content sitting peacefully on the front porch at the Homestead (Leeds Place), or causing a little loving chaos by riding around on his scooter at SAM’s Club, playfully "running over" unsuspecting shoppers.

Nothing brought Jack greater joy than the love of his family and close friends. His final, dearest wish was for his family to continue loving one another, to get along, and to revive the rich family traditions they shared years ago. Now is our time to honor his wish and show him just how deeply he was loved.

Those Who Went Before

Jack was reunited in heaven by his his loving wife, Shirley Joyce Pierce, parents, Ben and Martha Pierce; his daughter, Toni Pierce-Kersey ( Alvin Kersey) ; his son, Tyrone Sharper; his sister, Rose Pierce; and his brothers, Jesse Pierce, Ben Pierce (Sallie), Gus Pierce , Bill Pierce (Sis), and John Pierce.

Those Who Carry His Legacy

His memory will be forever cherished by his daughters, Jaque Pierce and Nicole (Pill) Pierce; his sons, Kenneth “Stevie” Pierce (Sue), Jeffery “Merk” Pierce (Margaret), and Jack Pierce (Marva); his sister, Wudell Pierce; and his brothers, Robert Pierce (Ludi), Albert Pierce (Colletta), and Lonnie Pierce and Sister-in-Law, Janet Irby. He also leaves behind a vast, multi-generational host of grandchildren, great-grands, great-great-grands, and great-great-great-grands, alongside a beloved network of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and special friends John Green, Diane Hill, Saint Claire Brown and Vincent DeRosa.